Customer Reviews

Deadly Disclosures (Dinah Harris Mystery)

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

First of all let me say that I truly love Christian fiction, as I am a Christian and I like for the books I read to respect my beliefs and agree with them. However, this book felt like someone just trying to promote their agenda heavily. What I mean is, there were many times the author used either conversations between the characters or thoughts and past events from one of the characters lives, to just stop and preach a sermon. It just didnt sit well with me because it felt like the story just didnt flow because of this. It was almost like she should have written a separate, non-fiction book to promote those beliefs. What I am trying to say is, I totally agree with what she belives myself, I just want my fiction stories to hold to my beliefs and promote God's truth without preaching a sermon right in the middle of the story.

"Deadly Disclosures" is a well-written contemporary detective suspense novel. The story was fast-paced, and the world-building was excellent. The details about the setting and the job brought the world alive in my imagination.

The characters were interesting and had realistic struggles. We didn't find out the details of why Dinah was so broken until late in the story, which made it difficult for me to bond with her, but enough information was dribbled out up until then that her actions were understandable and I cared about her.

I felt that some parts of the ending were wrapped up a little quickly--there were a few minor details that I questioned as they seemed to contradict something said earlier or seemed a little convenient. However, I was reading a galley and these minor details might have been fixed by the final version of the book.

The two main characters weren't Christian, but there were several Christian topics brought up during the novel. For example, a short TV debate between an atheist (the Secretary of the Smithsonian in his younger years) and a Christian was described during the murder investigation. Both atheist and Christian arguments were treated respectfully with no "straw men" arguments or quick conversions. Neither Christians nor atheists were portrayed as all good or all evil. Members of the secretive organization being investigated were shown doing good things and genuinely objecting to the murders. So, overall, I thought the Christian elements were handled very well and wouldn't bother most readers, but it is a Christian novel.

There was no sex and no bad language. I'd highly recommend this novel as well-written, clean reading.


I reviewed this book as a free review copy from the publisher.

Reviewed by Debbie from Genre Reviews
(genrereviews. blogspot. com)

Move over John Grisham, Julie Cave is in town!

Normally, I'm not a huge fan of the suspense genre but Julie Cave outdid herself with Deadly Disclosures. This is the first book in the trilogy and the next book is due out in October - I can't wait! I was hooked from the start of the book and could hardly put it down. I think Julie Cave has definitely made a place for herself in the literary world. If you are into kidnappings, political crimes, suspense, mystery, murder.....this book has it all. And if that's not enough for you, the political drama and undermining in this book basically mirrors many of the political headlines we read here in the U.S.

FBI special agent Dinah Harris, is a very believable character who struggles with depression and alcoholism and is haunted by the mistakes of her past. She's gritty and sarcastic, tough skinned and sharp-tongued. While portraying a "tough as nails" exterior, Dinah is searching to be set free from her demons and doesn't even realize it. I became so engrossed in her character that I found myself willing her to live, as she dabbled with thoughts of suicide.

When the secretary of the Smithsonian, Thomas Whitfield, disappears and the FBI becomes involved, Dinah is brought back in to work on the case even though her reputation as an FBI agent has been sullied by her past. Her partner, David Ferguson, knows that Dinah is the best in the field and that the FBI can't work the case without her. As they plunge headlong into investigating Whitfield's murder, people associated with him start dying and even Dinah ends up fighting for her life - the one she so desperately wanted to end.

Deadly Disclosures will keep you reading long into the night!

DEADLY DISCLOSURES delves into the world of creation vs. evolution with the FBI smack dab in the middle. Special Agent Dinah Harris-who can barely pull herself out of her self-induced stupors-is called in to assist on a missing persons case that quickly turns to a murder investigation. Thomas Whitfield, the secretary of the Smithsonian, seems like an unlikely victim. But, when Dinah and her partner find out Whitfield was quite possibly killed because of his new belief in creation, the list of suspects grows. Unfortunately, the list of victims grows as well. Being at the center of a high profile case adds to the already stressful life Dinah leads. Drinking seems to be her only escape, one that she sometimes wishes would have permanent results. She struggles with despondency and the will to live as she tries to piece together the clues before becoming the next victim.

I enjoyed DEADLY DISCLOSURE, though at times I felt the debates regarding creation and evolution got a bit taxing. Some of the debates became redundant when shared in flashbacks and present day. I liked the character of Dinah, flaws and all. I would've liked to have seen her partner developed, or even show a little more sympathy for the struggles Dinah was having. A lot of information was given for anyone who needs the proper ammunition to fuel their own debate. Unfortunately, my interest leaned more towards suspense and intrigue then history.

Book provided for review purposes

Dinah Harris is everything you'd expect from an FBI Agent. Smart as a whip, spunky, and well, that's just a facade. Due to the loss of some dear loved ones, she struggles with depression and is on the verge of ending it all. She's pulled from active duty because her alcohol consumption interfered with her job, but when the secretary of the Smithsonian is murdered, they have no choice but to bring her back. Basically, a secret organization favoring the theory of Evolution is trying to ensure that Creation is squelched.

After her conversion, she starts her own consulting firm, but as a recovering alcoholic, she's on the brink of relapse. She is recruited to help decipher a serial killer's messages on a race to capture him before he claims his next victim.

The series ends with a serial bomber whose agenda is to blow up churches.

Due to the controversial content discussed in the series, I would advise parental guidance. Very well-written, edgy, and it would definitely appeal to those who like to debate apologetics.

I grew up reading books from authors like James Patterson, Mary Higgins Clark, and others, but I stopped because I got squeamish. As a result, I don't read this genre very often, though it was a welcome break from the usual!

Disclosure: I received the series free in exchange for an honest review.

This was an interesting book to read. It is a mystery novel mixed in with theology, which made it sometimes a fascinating read while other times a bit frustrating to follow.
The book's strength lies in the detective aspect. Dinah, the main character, is an FBI agent with quite a lot of problems of her own. Her characterization was well done, making her likeable even at her worst. She is a strong heroine with lots of spunk who lit up the pages in which she appeared. Ferguson, her partner, makes for a good foil for her, and they both make a good addition to the mystery genre.
The main issue I had with the book is the amount of religion involved. The plot line, of course, necessitates some theology, but not to the level or degree present in this story. Although I am a staunch believer in evolution, I would have gladly gone along with a premise in which creationism is the key if it had been less preachy. Many scenes with Andy and Thomas could have been shortened considerably or erased altogether, since it felt more like their conversations were crafted to convince the reader than to advance the plot. Speaking as a non-Christian, it was hard to stay interested in the preaching, leaving me anxious for the story to move along.
This is a good mystery story and I know a lot of people will enjoy it. The main character did hook me enough to make me want to read the next book in the series, regardless of what I thought of the amount of religion involved, so definitely give it a try,

FBI agent Dinah Harris is battling her own demons of alcohol abuse and depression but must put those aside when she is called upon to help solve the disappearance of Thomas Whitfield, Secretary of the Smithsonian. What starts as a missing person's case turns to homicide and more bodies start turning up, all connected to Whitfield. Harris and her partner find themselves drawn into a conspiracy with religious implications concerning creationism vs. evolution, involving wealthy and powerful elite in Washington, D.C..

As Dinah struggles to unravel a case that has more questions than answers, she also finds herself in a fight for her life, not only from those who wish to silence her, but also from the darkness of a painful past.

I thought the basic story line was good and for the most part it held my interest but at times I was tempted to just skip to the end to see how things turned out because the editing was poor, in my opinon. Between grammatical errors and poorly written passages that lacked continuity, I found myself distracted. The reason I cast the blame on the editing rather than the author is because it's the job of an editor to catch things like that before a book is published. The author is Australian from what I understand, which isn't really an issue except that she often used expressions and words that Americans wouldn't. That matters because the story takes place in the U.S. and the main characters are Americans.

I also found the notion of conspiracy in high places against creationism that would lead to murdering people a stretch. But this is a fiction novel so I let it go as with that in mind.

Despite those negatives, I still liked the overall story enough to be willing to read the next installment of this trilogy.

I don't normally read mystery genre. So it took me longer to read this book compared to what I normally read. But it did not take away from this amazing book.

As I got to reading the story was very intense. Dinah Harris is a FBI agent. Due to the loss of Dinah's husband and young son was in a deep depression and turned to alcohol for comfort. She battles with the fact that she has no desire live anymore.

Due to her abuse of alcohol she was responsible for the death of a young man that was an informant in a gang investigation. Because of her actions she is removed from active duty and put to work at teaching a class for the FBI.

She is pulled back into active duty even though it is very apparent that she has a drinking problem. She is asked to assist in a very high profile case of the death the Secretary of the Smithsonian Museum. The case turns into a real puzzle because they know someone within the system has to be involved.

The author goes into great detail about the case. She also has an amazing skill when she goes into explaining the tension between the two issues and groups, Evolution and Creation.

I you enjoy mysteries this is definitely the book for you.

I give this a book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:
I received a copy of this book for review by author. I was in no way compensated for this review. This is my honest opinion.

I agree with all the five star reviews of this novel and only knock off one star as I am not a fan books that end the way this one did. I will say no more as I don't want to spoil anything for readers. It is fast-paced and well plotted. Great Christian fiction.

This fast-paced mystery has a lot of action and twists and turns in the plot. There is more than one plot happening at a time. It is unpredictable. You think it is going one way and turns out completely differently. The main character is a woman who is an FBI agent. Well researched. Have read the first 2 books in the series. Can't wait to read the third.